Snap-on diaper



SNAP-ON DIAPER Filed April 27, 1962 IN VENTOR.

Dan Tschalnpat BY UMJW ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,176,688 SNAP-0N DIAPER Dan E. Tschappat, 4-737 S. Columbia Place, Tulsa, Okla. Filed Apr. 27, 1962, Ser. No. 190,553 3 Claims. (Cl. 128284) This invention relates to improvements in diapers and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a diaper particularly designed and constructed for eliminating the use of pins, and the like, and adjustable to provide a plurality of sizes ranging from very small to relatively large with the use of a single diaper.

There are many types of snap-on or adjustable diapers available today, such as shown in the I. R. Slusser Patent No. 2,568,305, issued September 18, 1951, and entitled Diaper, and the E. E. Dotson Patent No. 2,621,656, issued December 16, 1952, and entitled Snap-on Type Diaper. These diapers utilize snaps or gripper members for eliminating the use of pins, and the like, when putting the diaper on the baby. However, it is found that these diaper structures, while providing adjustability, are limited in the size range for a single diaper in that the adjustment is such that the diaper will not extend from the very small size, such as a new born baby must use, to the extremely large sizes, such as an older baby must have.

The present invention contemplates a novel snap-on diaper wherein an adjustability is provided ranging from the extremely small sizes required for new born babies through the substantially large sizes required for most older babies. The novel snap-on diaper is provided with a padded portion which is integral therewith and is attached to the body of the diaper in such a manner as to facilitate the drying thereof, or to permit use of additional padding, such as may often be required during a night time wearing thereof. In addition, the gripper elements or fasteners are arranged on the diaper in such a manner that no metallic or plastic gripper member is in contact with the babys body at any time during wearing of the diaper, regardless of the adjusted position of the diaper required by the desired diaper size. The novel diaper is of a simple and economical construction particularly designed for facilitating placement thereof on the baby, and may be utilized for a baby of substantially any size requiring the use of a diaper.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel diaper particularly designed and constructed for facilitating securing of the diaper about the body of a baby without the use of pins, and the like.

It is another object of this invention to provide an adjustable diaper which may be utilized for a plurality of sizes, ranging from exceedingly small through excessively large.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel snap-on diaper wherein the fastening elements are never in contact with the body of the baby regardless of the diaper size required therefor.

. It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel adjustable diaper provided with a padded portion secured thereto whereby drying thereof is facilitated.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a novel adjustable diaper having a padded portion thereon wherein additional padding maybe readily carried thereby during extended periods of use for the diaper.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable diaper which is simple and economical in construction and durable and efiicient in utilization.

. Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear.

in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a diaper embodying the invention depicted in the smallest size thereof.

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 depicting the diaper in the largest size thereof.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of an unfolded diaper embodying the invention.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a diaper embodying the invention depicted in a partially folded position.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character It) generally indicates a diaper of a substantially trapezoidal configuration wherein one edge portion 12 is adapted to encircle the waist or torso of a baby (not shown) and the opposite edge portion 14 is adapted for connection with the waist portion 12 for further covering the baby as will be hereinafter set forth. The opposed sides 16 and 18 of the diaper 10 converge in a direction from the edge 12 toward the edge 14, as particularly shown in FIGURE 3, whereby the portion of the diaper 1t} disposed between the legs of the baby will be of less bulk for increasing the comfort of the baby wearing the diaper and for facilitating disposition of the diaper on the baby.

A centrally disposed flap or padded member 20 is integral with or secured to the diaper 11 adjacent the edge portion 14 and extends therefrom across the diaper toward the edge portion 12, as particularly shown in FIGURE 3. The flap 2% is secured to the diaper only at the portion adjacent the edge 14 whereby the remaining portion of the flap is loose. In this manner, increased padding for the diaper without increasing the thickness of the diaper material is provided, thus facilitating the drying of the diaper while providing an extra padding for the central portion thereof. In addition, an additional padding, such as another diaper, or the like (not shown), may be inserted between the flap 2t and the diaper during extended time periods of use, such as overnight, as is well known.

The waist edge 12 of the diaper 10 is provided with a plurality of suitable fasteners 22 on the outside of the diaper and spaced from the edge portion 18 in such a manner that each succeeding fastener is a greater distance from the edge 18 than the preceding fasteners. The fas teners 22 may be of any suitable gripper or snap type and are preferably the snap female or well portions thereof. A gripper stud or male portion 24 is provided on the op posite end of the waist edge 12 adjacent the side edge 16 and on the inside of the diaper 10 for cooperating with the female gripper members 22 to secure the diaper 11) about the Waist of the baby, as will be hereinafter set forth in detail. In addition, a plurality of fasteners 26 similar to the fasteners 22 are provided on the outside of the diaper and are spaced along the waist portion 12 from the edge portion 16 in such a manner that each succeeding gripper or fastener 26 is a greater distance from the edge portion 16 than the preceding fasteners. It is preferable that the fasteners or grippers 26 be of the well or female type. The upper edge or waist edge portion 12.

is folded back or inwardly to provide a band 28 which covers the fastener members 22 and 26, as clearly shown in FIGURE 3, whereby the fasteners are precluded from contact with th e body of the baby. It is preferable that the band 28 be stitched or otherwise secured in position to preclude accidental dislodging thereof whereby the fasteners would be exposed. a

It is to be noted that the portion 30 of the band 28 which is disposed in the proximity of the stud member 24 is not stitched down on the diaper, but is loose whereby the flap portion 33 may be folded upwardly beneath the adjacent band portion, as shown in dotted lines in FIG- URE 3. In this position, the stud member 24 is exposed for engaging one of the female gripper members 22 for securing the diaper 10 around the body of the baby, particularly. when a relatively small size diaper is desired.

When a larger size diaper is desired, it is not necessary to use the stud gripper 24 as will be hereinafter set forth, and in this instance, the flap portion 30 may be manually unfolded from beneath the band 28 and placed in position over the stud member 24, thus assuring that no gripper members will contact the body of the baby at any time during-wearing of the diaper. Of course, it is to be understood that any suitable means may be utilized for alternately covering and uncovering the snap or stud member 24.

A tab member 32 is provided on the waist edge portion 12 in the proximity of the edge portion 18 and is spaced therefrom at a preselected distance whereby the tab 32 will be in substantial alignment with one of the gripper members 26 when the stud member 24 is engaged in one of the gripper members 22. The tab 32 is provided with .a fastener 34 similar to :the gripper member 24, preferably of the stud type, for engaging one of the grippers 22 or ld depending upon the size of the diaper it) as secured around the body of the baby, as will be hereinafter set forth in detail.

The lower edge portion 114 is provided with at least two gripper or fastener members 36 and 38 spaced at the opposed ends thereof. The fasteners or gripper members as and 33 are preferably of the stud or male type and are adapted for engaging the fasteners 22 and 26, respectively, when the diaper it) is positioned on the baby.

In order to secure the diaper about the body of a relatively small baby, such as a new born child, the waist edge portion 12 may be secured around the torso of the baby in the usual manner whereby the snap or gripper member 24 may be engaged in the gripper element 22 most nearly in alignment therewith when the edge 12 is wrapped around the babys body. FIGURE 4 depicts the diaper thus folded and engaged in one of the smaller positions or sizes therefor. It will be apparent that the waist edge 12 of the diaper overlaps itself in the smaller sizes therefor, and in order to retain the overlapping portions thereof in a superimposed position, the tab 32 may be folded outwardly over the diaper portion laying across the top of the diaper adjacent the babys body and the gripper member 34 may be engaged in the gripper member as most conveniently located with respect thereto. This securely retains the upper edge portion 12. snugly in position around the torso or waist of the child or baby Without the overlapped portions thereof accidentally separating for any reason.

Subsequent'to fastening of the waist edge portion 12 around the babys body, the lower edge portion 114 may be brought upwardly toward the waist edge portion 12 whereby the gripper member 36 may be engaged in one of the gripper members 22 and the gripper member 33 may be engaged in one of the gripper members 26, as clearly shown in FIGURE 1. It will be readily apparent that'a plurality of sizes are provided for the diaper ill by changing the engagement of the gripper 24 with respect to the plurality of grippers 2.2. The smallest size for the diaper it) will be provided by engaging the gripper 24 with the most remotel'y disposed gripper member 22. It will be further apparent that [the band 28 protects the babys body from any contact with any fastener members.

When a larger size diaper it is desired, the flap 3% may be unfolded for laying smoothly against the diaper and covering the stud member 24, thus protecting the body of the child from any contact with the stud Z4. In

the large sizes of the diaper, it is not necessary to overlap the Waist edge 12, and the tab 32 may be folded forwardly for engaging the stud 34 into the most conveniently disposed gripper member 22. The tab 32 may remain in this out-of-the-way position at all times when the diaper is being used in the larger sizes therefor. The gripper members 36 and 33 may be engaged in the most convenient gripper elements 22 and 26, respectively, in accordance. with the size of the baby with which the diaper is being used. In the larger sizes of the diaper, the

(fl edge portion 14- cooperates with the edge portion 12 for encircling the body of the baby, as particularly shown in FIGURE 2.

The re-enforcing pad 26, being secured tothe diaper adjacent the edge portion lid, normally lays flat against the diaper and is thus always in the central position thereon to provide an added protection during wearing of the diaper. However, the flap 26 may be readily raised from the flat position in order that an extra padding, or an additional diaper may be interposed between the flap and the diaper if such is desired when the diaper is to be used for extended time periods, such as during a night time. Even though the flap Z-tl provides additional padding for the diaper, the fact that the flap is secured only at one edge greatly facilitates the drying of the diaper in that the material of the diaper need not be thickened to provide the extra protection of the padding. Thus, the flap is securely held in the most desirable position for facilitating securing of the diaper about the body of the baby, and yet permits relatively quick drying for the diaper by substantially eliminating any unduly thickened portion of the diaper material.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel diaper which is readily adaptable to a wide range of sizes, and may be quickly and easily secured around the body of a baby without the use of pins, and the like. As a practical matter, it has been found that a single diaper can be used for Waist sizes ranging from approximately twelve inches through approximately tWenty-four inches without being too bulky in the small sizes or too skimpy in the large sizes. in addition, extra padding is provided for the central portion of the diaper without increasing the material thickness of the diaper construction, thus not interfering with the time required for drying of the diaper. The diaper is particularly designed and constructed for precluding contact between the gripper or fastener'members and the body of the child, thus further assuring comfort and ease for the baby wearing the diaper. The novel diaper is simple and efficient in use and economical and durable in construction.

Whereas, the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made Within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is: l

1. A diaper of a substantially trapezoidal configuration having one edge portion adapted for disposition around the body of a baby in the proximity of the waist line and an opposite edge portion adapted for further surrounding the body of the baby, a plurality of gripper members provided on one surface of the diaper and spaced along the waist line edge portion thereof, at least one gripper member disposed on the opposite surface of the diaper in the proximity of the waist edge portion for engagement with any of the first mentioned gripper members to secure the diaper around the body of a relatively small baby,

.tab means carried by the waist line edge portion and mentioned gripper members whereby said second mentioned gripper member may be exposed for engagement with the first gripper means in the smaller diaper sizes and covered in the larger diaper sizes, additional gripper members provided on said opposite edge portion for engagement with the first mentioned gripper members to further secure the diaper around the body of the baby, and said first mentioned gripper member adapted for:

arraese engagement with the last mentioned gripper members in lieu of the said one oppositely disposed gripper members when the diaper is disposed around the body of a relatively large baby.

2. A diaper of substantially trapezoidal configuration having a first edge portion adapted for disposition around the body of a baby and a second edge portion oppositely disposed from the first edge portion adapted for further surrounding the body of the baby, a plurality of first gripper members provided on one surface of the diaper in the proximity of the first edge portion, at least one gripper member disposed on the opposite surface of the diaper in the proximity of one end of the first edge portion, tab means carried by the first edge portion and disposed in the proximity of the opposite end thereof and having gripper means provided thereon, band means carried by the first edge portion for precluding contact of any of the gripper members With the body of the baby, and additional gripper members provided on the said opposite surface of the diaper and disposed in the proximity of the second edge portion.

3. A diaper as set forth in claim 2 wherein the gripper member disposed on the said opposite surface of the diaper in the proximity of the first edge portion may be Selectively engaged with the first gripper members to secure the first edge portion in an overlapped position around the body of a baby, said tab means gripper means being selectively engageable with said first gripper members for retaining the said opposite end of the first edge portion secureiy in position around the body of the baby, and said additional gripper members being engageable With the first gripper members for securin the second edge portion to the first edge portion for further securing the diaper around the body of the baby.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,568,305 9/51 Slusser 128-284 2,667,348 8/52 Rosenblatt 128-284 2,788,786 4/57 Dexter 128-284 2,832,345 4/58 Webb 128-284 3,050,063 8/ 62 Margraf 128-284 FOREIGN PATENTS 538,176 7/41 Great Britain.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner. JORDAN FRANKLIN, Examiner. 

1. A DIAPER OF A SUBSTANTIALLY TRAPEZOIDAL CONFIGURATION HAVING ONE EDGE PORTION ADAPTED FOR DISPOSITION AROUND THE BODY OF A BABY IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE WAIST LINE AND AN OPPOSITE EDGE PORTION ADAPTED FOR FURTHER SURROUNDING THE BODY OF THE BABY, A PLURALITY OF GRIPPER MEMBERS PROVIDED ON ONE SURFACE OF THE DIAPER AND SPACED ALONG THE WAIST LINE EDGE PORTION THEREOF, AT LEAST ONE GRIPPER MEMBER DISPOSED ON THE OPPOSITE SURFACE OF THE DIAPER IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE WAIST EDGE PORTION FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH ANY OF THE FIRST MENTIONED GRIPPER MEMBERS TO SECURE THE DIAPER AROUND THE BODY OF A RELATIVELY SMALL BABY, TAB MEANS CARRIED BY THE WAIST LINE EDGE PORTION AND SPACED FROM THE GRIPPER MEMBER DISPOSED ON THE SAID OPPOSITE SURFACE FOR SELECTIVE ENGAGEMENT WITH THE FIRST MENTIONED GRIPPER MEMBERS TO RETAIN THE WAIST LINE EDGE PORTION IN AN EFFICIENT OVERLAPPED POSITION WHEN THE DIAPER IS DISPOSED ON THE SMALLER BABIES, BAND MEANS CARRIED BY THE WAIST EDGE PORTION FOR PRECLUDING CONTACT OF ANY OF THE GRIPPER MEMBERS WITH THE BODY OF THE BABY REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE OF THE BABY, FLAP MEANS INTEGRAL WITH THE BAND MEANS AND IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE SECOND 